Drano Lake Spring and Fall Salmon - Truly Awesome Summer
Steelhead
Spring
As the weather warms up and wildflowers brighten the Gorge, spring chinook
salmon return up the Columbia River, entering the Little White Salmon River
through Drano Lake to the Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery. Anglers
flock to the mouth of the Wind River and to Drano Lake to try their luck at
catching the 15 to 20 pound fish
Summer
During the summer, the hatcheries are good places to enjoy the park-like
settings and see wildlife along the nearby rivers. Picnic facilities are
available, and there are public restrooms and parking for cars and recreational
vehicles. Adult Spring Chinook salmon can viewed throughout the summer at the
Little White Salmon hatchery. Spawning takes place mid-July through mid-August
Fall
As the summer ends in late August and early September, Upriver Bright fall
chinook salmon and coho begin returning to the Little White Salmon hatchery.
Visitors can pick up a brochure at the main office and take a self-guided tour
through the hatchery or arrange group tours in advance. Spawning of Upriver
Brights and coho salmon begins in October and continues through late November.
Winter
The strong Gorge winds and sometimes-harsh weather provide a dramatic setting
for a visit to the hatcheries. In February and March, thousands of fall chinook
salmon are marked with coded wire tags before being released into the rivers
leading to the Pacific Ocean. Visitors are welcome to watch the tagging inside
the comfort of the trailers that are moved to each hatchery during tagging
season. Winters are also the best time to watch the eagles soaring in the wind
and at river's edge, feeding on salmon carcasses returned to the river after the
spawning is finished.
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